Yep. I'm all about politics (obviously), and love to engage in political discussion with people here. That said, the quality of the discourse has suffered lately. So, I'm declaring my unilateral enforcement policy on political threads.

It is unacceptable to be use an ad hominem attack in any thread on this board. When I see them, I will lock threads, delete posts, and continual behavior may lead to more serious consequences.

Well Mangey, what is an ad hominem attack?

An ad hominem attack is an attack on the poster, and not the argument presented by the poster.

What kinds of posts count as ad hominem?

Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Questioning the motivation of the poster
- Insulting the poster
- Claiming hypocrisy in the case of a poster.
- Dismissing an argument because of potential 'bias.'

How should I post in political threads?

It's simple, all threads begin with a point. If you wish to dispute the point, please feel free to provide a counter point. All subsequent posts should be related to that topic, focusing entirely on the merits of the arguments presented. You can point out inadequacy, contradiction, inconsistency, whatever flaw you'd like in an argument - but the line is crossed once you start attributing negative judgments on the poster based on these considerations.

I'm not sure if this is ad hom! What should I do?

First, ask yourself, is this personal? Would I take offense to this if it were written to me? Still not sure? PM me, and I'd be happy to take a look! This isn't about punishing people, it's about improving the quality of political discourse on this website.

Why is this so important?

I cannot stress how important it is that we cease using ad hom attacks if we want political discussion to continue on this board. Ad hominem attacks lower the level of discouse, and prevent rational discussion and education. A good political debate ought to either sharpen your current held opinions, make them more subtle and advanced, or it ought to bring about change in your views. Ad hom attacks bring these discussions down to a childish level that prevents meaningful dialogue between holders of differing opinions.

In Summary: No more ad hom, and let's enjoy some intellectually stimulating political discussions!

_________________"Three passions, simple but overwhelmingly strong, have governed my life: the longing for love, the search for knowledge, and unbearable pity for the suffering of mankind."
-Bertrand Russell

wow that post was such a waste of time.
That Mangey guy is such a tool. j/k
in all serious Mangey I thought your post was excellent, and I concur with your sentiments of needing civilized level of debate, if we don't want the level of the politcal posts (or any posts for that matter) to end up becoming barbaric attacks on posters or their mothers (etc etc).
Bravo!

I have the "Chandler Bing" syndrome where I can't engage in a serious conversation without cracking one or two jokes.

It backfires sometimes since people take me less seriously and think I'm just being an ass. That said, for the most part, I am being an ass.

Good question!

Humor is allowed, because it is understood that you are not actually asserting what your words might seem to. I leave it up to your best judgment about whether what you are saying will be properly understood as a joke. I recommend using emoticons or (j/k) if you aren't sure that people will understand that it's a joke.

_________________"Three passions, simple but overwhelmingly strong, have governed my life: the longing for love, the search for knowledge, and unbearable pity for the suffering of mankind."
-Bertrand Russell

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